The Mercedes W123 Series was launched in 1976 and ran till it was replaced in 1985 by the W124. The car underwent virtually no face-lifting in its production run with just a few subtle alterations to styling and functionality. The model is in a rare sector now of the classic and collector market as the car is almost classless. Being driven by well heeled business men of the time to plying there trade on the backstreets and lanes of most African countries.They are fast becoming collectable and are getting scarce on the ground. The particular model pictured is a 230e model finished in ascot grey with five speed manual transmission.